ISHS Acta Horticulturae 437: VII International Symposium on Pollination
PUBLIC BUMBLEBEE SURVEY IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 1994 AND 1995 |
| Author: | M.M. Kwak |
| Abstract:
The survey asked for the attention of bumblebees of both members and other inhabitants of the Netherlands. The objects of the survey were: 1. consciousness: nature is not far away; 2. mapping the distribution of bumblebee species; 3. publicity of the participating societies. We asked in 1994: which bumblebee species on which plant species do you observe during June, and do you observe special features like nests or behavior? In 1995: when do you observe the first queen of each species and what does she do? To reach the inhabitants, a large-scale campaign was organized, including observation cards (85000) showing the six common bumblebee species and a special bumblebee newspaper (45000). In 1994 we received 25000 and in 1995 4345 observations. Most observations (81%) in 1994 were made in urban areas. The observations were useful for mapping and increasing the knowledge on foodplants, nest sites and phenology. Many of the results were published in a special issue by the organizing societies together with various other bumblebee papers. Are the objects attained? Yes, at least the first two objects. The survey did not lead to a significant increase of new members. | |
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